March 2004: crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the International Iron and Steel Institute

World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the International Iron and Steel Institute stood at an estimated 85.9 million metric tons (mmt) in March.

World crude steel production for the 62 countries reporting to the International Iron and Steel Institute stood at an estimated 85.9 million metric tons (mmt) in March. Global production increased by 5.9% compared to March 2003 and 8.7% year to date (YTD).

China performed strongly again in March with production of 21.8 mmt of crude steel. This is 23.1% higher compared to March 2003 and 26.4% higher YTD. Total production in Asia reached 39.4 mmt in March, up by 11.3% on the same month in 2003.

Crude steel production in Brazil has reached 8.0 mmt for the first three months of 2004. This is an increase of 6.0% YTD. Brazil produced a total of 2.7 mmt of crude steel in March.

Russian crude steel production rose by 5.2% to 5.4 mmt in March. YTD production stands at 15.6 mmt, up 6.2% on 2003. Total production in the CIS region is up by 10.1% YTD and 9.0% compared to March 2003.

Crude steel production in India showed a slight drop of 0.6% in March. However, Indian crude steel production for 2004 is now 8.2 mmt, a 6.2% rise YTD.